A look at the Defence news 13 - 18 June

News item | 21-06-2017 | 13:20

Geopolitical developments, new technologies and changes in the labour market take place at a rapid pace. The situation requires very adaptable armed forces. “We must be able to adapt in every respect. Uncertainty is the only constant,” said the Netherlands Minister of Defence, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the first conference about the Adaptive Armed Forces organised by the Defence organisation. The conference marks a step towards a more flexible and agile Defence organisation.

American F-35 general honoured

On 16 June this year, Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan was honoured for the work that he has done as the project leader of the F-35 programme. At the Netherlands embassy in Washington, he was awarded the Medal of Merit in Gold. His commitment and loyalty were symbolic for the excellent cooperation between the United States, the Netherlands and the Dutch business sector.

For British nationals, Trooping the Colour marked Queen Elizabeth’s official birthday on 17 June. The Netherlands Minister of Defence, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, attended the celebrations amidst parading Royal Guards and other military ceremonial activities. She was in London at the invitation of her British counterpart Michael Fallon. The ministers used this opportunity to confirm British-Dutch security cooperation. To be sufficiently prepared for future challenges, they said that they would strengthen the already very strong ties even further.